Geolinguistic varieties of French [ LROM2180 ]

An introductory course in general linguistics is required, which gives the main tools for describing phonetic, phonological and lexical phenomena.

1. Identifying the main typical illustrations of the spreading of French : - traditional areas (France regions, oïl domain, Wallonia, French-speaking Switzerland) - areas where French has been imported (Quebec, Acadia, Louisiana, Indian Ocean, etc.) - areas where French has been implemented by administrative pressure or by force (Sub-Saharan Africa, Maghreb, etc.) - areas where French spreading is link to France's cultural influence (Romania, Near East, etc.). 2. Describing, from a differential point of view, the linguistic variation in those areas, while focussing on phonetic, phonological and lexical aspects. 3. Linking up the linguistic characteristics of a given area to its historical, cultural and social context.

This course aims 1. to make masters degree students more familiar with the variation of French in Francophonia, more precisely from a geographical point of view (variation from place to place), by describing and analyzing - linguistic practices - linguistic attitudes and representations (i.e. internal approach) 2. to link up the study of the geographical varieties of French to the sociocultural and political context of the linguistic communities. (i.e. external approach) 3. to give thought to the future of the French language and the institutional Francophonia.

Assessment focuses on a personal (written) work in which students show their ability to use the skills provided by the course, while studying a case of linguistic variation within a French-speaking area

This course offers a description of the French linguistic varieties from a differential point of view, in relationship with the historical, cultural and social context. It makes use of both oral and written data to carry out phonetic, phonological and lexical analyses. It consists of lectures requiring the active involvement of the students in order to analyze the linguistic data and to enlarge the reflection beyond the sole formal linguistic description. If possible, lecturers from different French speaking areas are invited to contribute to the course.

Support Teaching aid The following are at students' disposal:

• Electronic or paper support of the lectures;
• Samples of phonetic, phonological and lexical data;
• An annotated bibliography is provided at the beginning of the course.